October Grand Service 2012

“I am God of Origin, God in Truth. There is causality in this Residence. At this time I have descended here to save all humankind. I wish to have Miki as the Shrine of God.”

It was October 23, 1838, in a small farming village in central Japan. A 40-year-old woman named Miki Nakayama spoke these strange words. Miki’s husband Zenbei and family were greatly startled by this unexpected revelation and using every possible argument refused God’s request, but God remained steadfast. Finally, after three days, with Miki neither eating nor sleeping the family replied that they would comply with God’s request. That day, October 26, 1838, marks the beginning of Tenrikyo.

From that time on for fifty years, Oyasama (Beloved Parent), taught us the Path that will lead us to the Joyous Life, by the spoken and written word, by the miracles of salvation and by example, showing us the Hinagata, the Divine Model, the way of life for all human beings to follow.

It is for this reason that we commemorate the founding of Tenrikyo by calling this month’s service the “October Grand Service.”

Please join us in joy, gratitude and prayer as we perform the service for universal salvation.